Scripture for Today: John 5:39-40 “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about Me, yet you refuse to come to Me to have life.”

Remember the snow-looking static we used to see on televisions?  Modern televisions automatically turn to a blue screen when not receiving a transmission signal.  The old image was just a random dot pixel pattern which made no sense.  In northern Europe the pattern is different, looking like fast-flickering black bugs on a white screen.  They do not call it snow but “ant soccer!”  In either case, the static makes no sense.

Our verse for today is a quote from Jesus speaking to the Jewish leaders.  These men were diligent about studying Scripture.  But they were missing the fact that the Scriptures prophesied and testified of Jesus Himself.  Their study was not the source of eternal life.  The Source was standing right in front of them.  But as long as they refused to come to Christ in faith, those Scriptures would be like unintelligible static.

God’s Word is just noisy static to people today as well.  Study can be diligent and life-long, but without coming to Jesus with a humble open heart, there will be no understanding.  That is because it is His Spirit who guides us into all the truth (John 16:13).  His Spirit opens our spiritual eyes in a way that study without Him could never do.

The Lord does not owe me understanding.  I do not earn it.  He helps me understand because His Word is His love letter to me.  If I am only hearing static, then I need to start over with humble prayer for His clarity.

Thank you Lord, for the understanding You give out of Your grace.

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 48:17 “This is what the Lord says, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; ‘I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.'”

I love walking the trails that meander through the hills surrounding San Juan Capistrano.  The peace and quiet of this gem of nature refreshes my soul!  I am just learning the trails and there are many choices of route.  I carefully look at each trail name so as not to lose my way.  I was surprised at this blank sign which gave me no help at all!

Our verse for today is a special reassurance that God is directing our steps.  The signs He displays put us on the best paths.  His signs are never blank.  They clearly point out His promises and commandments.  Following them gives the most enjoyable views and the straightest paths.  He wants to direct us to the path that is the absolute best!

There are plenty of blank signs around that do not help.  These are signs representing the arguments and pretensions of those without Christ (II Cor. 10:5).  They steer away from knowledge and obedience to the Lord.  They pretend to show a better way but are in fact blank, being hollow and deceptive philosophy (Col. 2:8).  They do not lead to a better life but a more arduous pathway.

Anytime I ignore His clear signs, I am settling for something that is less than best for me.  As my Creator, He knows what direction will bring me the most challenge, the most joy and the most satisfaction.  It is no mystery.  His signs are clearly marked in His Word.

Thank you Lord, that the path You have chosen is the very best one!